Facebook gives you two choices: deactivate or delete

Deactivation hides your profile temporarily. Your name disappears from search, your posts vanish from the feed, and your friends cannot message you. But Facebook keeps all your data — photos, messages, friend lists — in case you change your mind and log back in within 30 days. After 30 days, the data is deleted, but reactivation is still possible if you log in again later.

Deletion is permanent. Facebook removes your profile, posts, photos, and messages from public view within 90 days. After that window, the data cannot be recovered. You cannot reactivate a deleted account or retrieve anything that was on it. If you think you might want your account back someday, deactivation is the safer choice. If you want a clean break, deletion is what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data for 30 days; deletion removes everything permanently after 90 days.
  • To delete your account, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Deactivation and Deletion, choose Delete Account, and confirm your password.
  • Facebook takes up to 90 days to fully remove your data from its servers, even after you confirm deletion.
  • Deactivating first lets you read your photos and messages before you delete, which deletion does not allow you to do afterward.
  • Some third-party apps and websites that use your Facebook login will lose access once your account is deleted.

How to delete your account on a computer

Open Facebook in a web browser and log in if you are not already. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the page — this opens your account menu. Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the screen, scroll down and click Deactivation and Deletion. You will see two options: one to deactivate and one to delete. Click the circle next to Delete Account, then click Continue to Account Deletion. Facebook will ask you to re-enter your password to confirm. Type it in and click Continue. On the next screen, read the information about what will happen, then click Delete Account to finish.

Once you click that final button, the deletion process begins. Your profile will be hidden when ready, but Facebook will spend the next 90 days removing your data from its servers. During this time, if you log back in, the deletion will stop and your account will be restored. After 90 days pass with no login, the deletion becomes permanent.

How to delete your account on a phone or tablet

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down to find Deactivation and Deletion and tap it.

Tap the circle next to Delete Account, then tap Continue to Account Deletion. Enter your password when prompted and tap Continue. Review the final confirmation screen and tap Delete Account. The deletion will begin right away, with the same 90-day window as the computer version.

read your information before you delete

Once your account is deleted, you cannot get your photos, messages, or other content back. If you want to keep copies, read them first. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings, then scroll to Your Information and Permissions and click read Your Information.

Facebook will let you choose what to read — photos, videos, posts, messages, and more. Select what you want, choose a file format (HTML or JSON), and click Request a read. Facebook will prepare a file and email you a link, usually within a few hours. You can read it and save it to your computer. Do this before you delete your account, because deletion removes all of this permanently.

What happens to apps and websites connected to your Facebook login

Many apps and websites let you log in using your Facebook account instead of creating a separate username and password. Once your Facebook account is deleted, you will no longer be able to use Facebook to log into those services. You may lose access to accounts on Spotify, Instagram, dating apps, games, or other platforms that were connected to your Facebook login.

Before you delete, check which apps and websites are linked to your Facebook account. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites. You will see a list of everything connected. For services you want to keep using, create a separate password or link them to a different login method before you delete your Facebook account. This way you will not be locked out.

The 90-day window and what stops it

After you request deletion, Facebook gives you 90 days to change your mind. If you log back into your account at any point during those 90 days, the deletion stops and your account is restored. This is a safety feature in case you delete by accident or regret the decision quickly.

After 90 days pass without a login, the deletion becomes permanent. Facebook will have removed your profile, posts, photos, messages, and most of your data from its active servers. Some information may remain in backups for a longer period, but it will not be accessible to you or visible to others. If you are certain you want to delete and will not change your mind, straightforward do not log in during the 90-day window.

Deactivation as an alternative if you are unsure

If you are not completely sure you want to delete permanently, deactivate first. Deactivation hides your profile when ready and gives you 30 days to decide. During those 30 days, you can reactivate by logging back in, and everything returns to normal. After 30 days, deactivation becomes permanent deletion anyway, so you are not losing anything by trying it first.

Deactivation also lets you read your information before the account disappears. You can take time to save your photos and messages, then decide whether to let the account stay deactivated or delete it. This is a lower-risk way to step back from Facebook if you are on the fence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Facebook account if I also have an Instagram account?

Instagram and Facebook are owned by the same company, but they are separate accounts. Deleting your Facebook account will not delete your Instagram account. However, if you used your Facebook login to access Instagram, you will need to set up a separate password for Instagram before you delete Facebook, or you will lose access to Instagram.

What happens to messages I sent to other people after I delete?

Messages you sent will remain in other people's inboxes even after your account is deleted. They will see your old messages, but your profile will no longer exist, so they cannot click on your name to visit your page. Your name may appear as "Facebook User" or similar in the conversation.

Will deleting my account remove me from group chats or Messenger?

Yes. Once your account is deleted, you will be removed from all group chats and Messenger conversations. Other people in those chats will see that you left, but they will still be able to see the messages you sent before deletion.

Can I delete my account if I have a Facebook business page?

Your personal account and your business page are linked but separate. If you delete your personal account, your business page will be removed as well, because Facebook requires a personal account to manage a business page. If you want to keep the business page, you will need to transfer ownership to another person first.

What if I forget my password and cannot log in to delete?

Go to the Facebook login page and click "Forgotten password?" Enter your email or phone number, and Facebook will send you a reset link. Once you reset your password and log in, you can proceed with deletion. If you cannot access your email or phone number, contact Facebook's support through their help center to verify your identity and regain access.